Aluminum recycling is a fundamental activity in the field of the circular economy, allowing end-of-life products to be put back into production on a continuous basis. Even the French company Constellium, as A. Jadoul tells us, has decided to increase aluminum recycling in its production sites.

The aluminum group wants to increase its capacities by at least 60,000 tonnes per year to serve the packaging and automotive markets.

Constellium wants to increase its aluminum recycling volumes in Europe. The French group has announced plans to add at least 60,000 tonnes per year to its current capacities, which reach around 560,000 tonnes worldwide.

This production will be destined for its customers in the automotive and packaging sectors. “Aluminum is at the epicenter of several sustainability megatrends in our packaging, automotive and transportation end markets.

As a result, our customers are increasingly demanding products that are produced sustainably and responsibly. We believe this investment will allow Constellium to expand its low-carbon product offering to meet the needs of its customers,” says Jean-Marc Germain , Group CEO.

Constellium expects to finalize the scope and location of the project by the end of 2021, based on engineering designs and obtaining required permits. Production is expected to begin within two years of the start of construction. For now, the group's main can recycling unit is located in Neuf-Brisach (Haut-Rhin), France.

A closed circuit for cans

Experts point out that aluminum cans for the most recycled beverage containers are "reborn endlessly in a 'closed circuit' process that puts them back on the shelves in 60 days".

“In the automotive and transportation industries, aluminum helps advance green mobility by improving fuel economy, reducing CO2 emissions, increasing electric vehicle range and improving safety,” they add. And to specify that aluminum is infinitely and easily recyclable, 75% of all aluminum ever produced is still used today.

An aluminum processing group mainly present in the aeronautical, automotive and packaging sectors, Constellium achieved a turnover of 5.9 billion euros in 2019, with a workforce of 13,000 people and 25 factories.

Category: news - aluminum - circular economy - waste - metals